Big second half lifts Ole Miss over Auburn in SEC basketball

ROGELIO SOLIS/Associated PressAuburn's Earnest Ross puts in a basket against Ole Miss' Reginald Buckner on Wednesday night in Oxford, Miss.OXFORD, Miss. -- Losers of five of its previous six games, Ole Miss may have rescued its season and a berth in the NCAA tournament in the final 11 minutes on Wednesday night.

The Rebels wiped out a 14-point deficit to defeat Auburn 85-75, staying within striking distance of the Western Division title. Chris Warren scored 26 points, 23 in the second half, and Terrico White added 21.

Ole Miss (18-9, 6-7 Southeastern Conference) pulled it off with its most productive half of the season, scoring 63 points and closing with a decisive 43-19 run.

Tay Waller had 29 points for Auburn, including 9 of 12 from the field and 8 of 11 from 3-point range. DeWayne Reed added 21 points and four assists for the Tigers (13-15, 4-9).